PIA Press Release2006/10/20

Leyte entrepreneurs avail of DOST SET-UP program

By Erna Sy Gorne

Southern Leyte (20 October) -- Several local entrepreneurs here benefit from the technical services the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) facilitated through its relevant program, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) which aims to improve the production of local industries thereby increase their income, DOST -8 Technical Services Division Chief Mae Ann Reyes said.

The program seeks to upgrade the production of local entrepreneurs particularly on the areas of new technologies, fabrication of machineries and equipment, and even recommends physical arrangements in workplaces as it does affects one's productivity, she added.

This year, the packaging of finished products has been introduced by the program in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and the provincial government of Southern Leyte as well, it was learned.

That proper packaging of food products would preserve the food longer. It would be presentable in the market making it at par with other food products at mega malls and compete even at international market, Reyes said.

She also said that local industries like the famous coconut candy - bocarillos, salvarro cookies, ice cream making, abaca textiles, among others were all given technical assistance right from the start of their business. The program assessed their present situation and later introduced new technologies which proved to be helpful to the local entrepreneurs.

When the initial production of food products were cooked with firewood, DOST pushes for the use of gas stoves through soft loans to hasten the process and increase the volume of production.

Recently, the department strongly supported an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in San Rafeal, Maasin City who is venturing into the production of abaca textiles. DOST fabricated a roller presser to perfect the textile clothes and they also facilitated for the improvement of the design and quality of the mentioned textiles. (Southern Leyte-PIA) [top]